All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Anambra, chieftain, Neville-Sunny Uchendu, says Gov. Charles Soludo’s policy of patronising locally made goods can lift Nigeria out of its socio-economic problems if embraced by others.
Uchendu, who served as Deputy Director, Diaspora Outreach, for the Soludo 2021 Governorship Project, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Awka.
Soludo rode in a G-80 jeep by Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM), wore “Akwete,” locally produced fabric, and shoes made in Nkwele Azunaka, during his inauguration on March 17.
Uchendu said, “Soludo as you know is not a showbiz man, but a thorough bred economist who understands the root of the socio-economic problems presently plaguing the nation.
“The new policy direction of Soludo is achievable because no country develops if the government cannot evolve policies that could promote job creation, which equally checks crimes.”
Uchendu said he was happy to see some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors on a visit to Umuahia wearing Akwete fabrics recently.
He said, “beyond that, we expect to see other governors adopt IVM as official vehicles as well as uncover areas they have comparative advantage.”
He said if more governors would key into the policy of patronising locally produced goods, a lot of jobs would be created and billions of naira spent on importation of vehicles, fabrics and other goods yearly would be saved.
The APGA chieftain also called on the people of the state to support the move by Soludo to sanitise revenue collection.
“Before now what we have in many states, including Anambra, was individuals given revenue windows to collect levies and taxes and then pay government.
“Our governor said no, that the practice was enriching individuals and made state governments to depend heavily on allocations from federal sources when they are capable of generating enough to manage their affairs.
“Anambra people should support him to end this reign which makes touts terrors on our roads, parks and markets.
“They molest innocent people who visit for business transactions in our state and that is bad,” he said.
Uchendu also advised the youth to be more resourceful and obedient to their parents and government.
“It is regrettable these days that our youths no longer learn skills such as welding, furniture making, panel works, tailoring, among others.
“Rather all that a good number of them indulge in is ‘yahoo, yahoo,’ and crimes.
“Our country will continue to sink if the youth refused to key into government policies introduced to secure their future.
“I appeal to Anambra youths to embrace this new government and its policies in their best interest,” he said.
